PS 635 
.29 
D544 
Copy 1 



rJ'^ 




L TTLE MAJOR. 



-A- C3-^l-^2:T3D 



MILITARY DRAMA 

IN FOUR ACTS, 



WITH NEW, STRIKING, AND ORIGINAL TALEAUX, MUSIC, 

SONGS. CHORUSES, SITUATIONS, AND SCENIC EFFECTS, 

PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON ANY 

STAGE. DRAMATIZED FROM ACTUAL 

FACTS PRESENTED DURING THE 



GREAT WAR for the UNION, 



S IT 



CHARLES D. DICKINSON, Esq. 



3=^OI^ 



MAJ. J. R. PERCIVAL, LATE of the 19th REG'T O. Y. I. 



DEDICATED TO THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPDDLIC. 



r 



=— THE— ■ 

LITTLE MAJOR. 



.A. C3r I^ -A- nST ID 



MILITARY DRAMA 

IN FOUR ACTS, 



WITH NEW. STRIKING, AND ORIGINAL TALEAUX, MUSIC, 

.SONGS, CHORUSES, SITUATIONS, AND SCENIC EFFECTS, 

PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON ANY 

STAGE. DRAMATIZED FROM ACTUAL 

FACTS PRESENTED Dl^RING THE 



GREAT WAR for the UNION, 



— B"3r — 

CHARLES D. DICKINSON, Esq. .-^;^v^ 

DEC 30 183$; ])i. 



^^^Vo.>....^.C^^' 



DEDICATED TO THE &RAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 



NEW LISBON, O. : 
OHIO PATRIOT STEAM JOB PRINTING HOUSE. 

1883. 



Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1889, by 

CHARLES D. DICKINSON, 

in the office of the Librarian of Congress. 



TNIP92-009098 




I 



TO THE PUBLIC: 



Any iiifiitijveiaenl or \ist' of any portiou of this Drama, without my 
written consent, will be punished by law, as I have received by copyright 
the sole privilege of producing it. 

CHARLES D. DICKINSON. 



Do not mutilate or mark this book, and return to manager when the 
part assigned has been coMimitted. 



All costumes, &c.. belonging to the manager must be returned imme- 
diately after the performance, on the last night of production. 



I 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



JOHN SUMNER- a soldier tine to the Unioii. 

J08IAH PERKINS— with plans and schemes. 

CARL SCHLAUFFER— the great drilljiiaster. 

HENRY WINSLOW— old, hut patriotic. 

FRANK WINSLOW— son of his father— with songs. 

CAPT. FRANKLIN— recruiting officer. 

DAN. BOARDMAN— a Union high private. 

TOM BOARDMAN— do., do. 

WILL EWING— do., do. 

SERG'T DAVIS— commanding Rebel squad. 

GEN. GRANT — commanding Union troops. 

GEN. RAWLINS— cliief of staff. 

COL. DREAV— aide to Gen. Grant. 

ist OFFICER. 

2d OFFICER. 

WIDOW SUMNER— John's mother. 

MRS. WINSLOW— Henry's wife. 

KATE WINSLOW— Henry's daughter— with song. 

TRIBULATION PETTIBONE— with airs, graces and language. 

OLD MARTHA— the avenger. 

ALICE SHANNON— the "Little Major." 

GODDESS OF LIBERTY. CITIZENS. SOLDIERS. &c. 



THE 



LE MAJOR 



ACT 1. 



SCENE I.— LautlHcape — lohu ami Alice I'litcr. 

JOHN — Alice, what caust^s the intense hatred of your guardiau toward 
me y I'm sure I never thought of crossing his desires, even, niucii less to 
injure him in any way, and yet he treats me as though I was his mortal jenemy. 

ALICE— Well, you Itnow what a peculiar, seltish life he lias lived, and 
you might attribute his lack of sociability to that cause. 

JOHN — True, he has apparently lived onlj' for himself and his own grati- 
fication, yet that is no excuse for liis extreme hostility toward me: I some- 
times think tJiat all he lacks is the opportunity, to murder me. 

ALICE- -Why. John, you do not fear him';' 

JOHN— Fear? No. Fear is not the proper word; but a sort of instinct- 
ive knowledge that he would do me harm if he could, has warned me against 
him. But let us change the subject. We intend to hold a picnic up at the 
grove on Saturday afternoon, and all the arrangements are made for a very 
pleasant time. Would you like to go, Alice? 

ALICE — Yes, indeed, John, I would like to attend, but 

JOHN — But what? I know of nothing to prevent you if you desire to go. 

ALICE— There is nothing to prevent me except my guardian, and I know 
he would object. 

JOHN — Pshaw.' Why should he object to your enjoying yourself? 

ALICE — He would not so much object to my enjoyment, but 

JOHN— Another obstacle. But what ? 

ALICE — He would object to my going with you. 

JOHN — I know he hates me. but I did not suppose he would for that 
reason alone, interfere with your pleasure. 

ALICE — Can't you guess why? Oh. thesr men are so obtuse. 

JOHN — Redly. Alice. I fail to understand you. 

ALICE— Well, I see I shall have to enlighten you. He has asked me to 
marry him. 

JOHN— What: Mr. Perkins? He wants you to marry //m.? 

ALICE— Well, what is there singular about that ? I know I'm not so 
handsome as some girls, yet I think I'm not too homely to get married, or 
at least to receive proposals. 

JOHN— Alice you trifle with me. You know I don't mean that. But to 
thi«k that he would have t he presumption. Why, he is more than twice your age 

ALICE.— The lires of love cool not with age. But I see your curiosity is 
not verv animated. You don't even ask me whether I accepted him. 



6 THE I.ITTJ.E ilAJOK. 

jOH^_You cnuUl never think of such a thhi2;. 

[Enter Perkins unboservni.] 

ALICE— Couldn't I? 

PERKINS— [w7«/ft^/'>?w^f^]— Here, Miss Alice, your phice is at home, 
and not out on the highway conversing with every vagabond you meet. 
And you, sir, would better make your way to the hovel you call home and 
slink out of the sight of honest men. 

JOHN— Mr. Perkins, there is no excuse for this insult. Poverty is no 
crime, and thank God. in free America, an honorable man. however poor, 
is the peer of the proudest in the land. 

PERKINS— Fine talk for a beggar. But goon I say. Clear out of this ! 
.JOHN— A beggar, did you say? Josiah Perkins, I never askeci or re- 
ceived from a human being one single cent for which I did nol render an 
equivalent. Can you say as much, truthfully? Dare you, with all your 
wealth, expose your past dealings with mankind'' Can you gaze into tlie 
mirror of the past without shuddering? As to obeying your commands, 1 
am not upon your premises, and slial 1 use my own pleasure about leaving here. 
PERKINS— I will not bandy words with a pauper. Here, .Miss I com- 
mand you to return to the house immediately, and if you do not, I will be 
obliged to exert my authority over you in a manner which will be extremely 
unpleasant to you. 

ALK'E— I am not (piite ready to go yet. 

PERKINS — Go. I say. I will show you who is master, i/ytisififss.) 

ALICE— Hands off, you coward! { Haxmexx.) 

JOHN But lay one linger on her, and you'll measure your full length 

of miserable anatomy in the dust! And now hark. If you ever again lay 
hands upon this girl, save in the way of kindness, I'll follow jou round the 
globe but you shall receive your punishment. Come. Alice ; let us go. 
{Exuent John and Alice.'] 

PERKINS — Curses on them borli: They defy a man they know but lit- 
tle of. But I'll be even with them yet: The jade is yet legally under my 
control, and I must teach her another lesson or two liefore her wiucation is 
finished. And he. the poor begtrarl i will humble him, and make him bog 
of me for mercy. I will encompass him with sorrows that will wring his 
heart, and make him writhe like a worm beneath my feet. I will break 
his proud spirit, and make him kneel to me for favors. [Enter Carl, unob- 
served.'] My plans so far have been successful, and I propose they shall be 
the same in the future. I succeeded in getting the guardianship of Thomas 
Shannon's daughter, and her estate, and I did not take the risk of mixing 
up and administering the wrong medicine for nothing. My success is 
assured. [DL^cover.H Carl ] Hello! 

C^ARL — Hello py yourself vonce! Vats de matter mit you? You look 
so pad, like you lost tifteen cents 

PERKINS {agitated)— V^ hen did you come liere? 

CARL — Vot for you vant to know? I come to dis coundry six veeks 
before last Vensday. 

PERKINS — I mean, liow long have you been standing there? 
CARL — No longer like I am ust now. Fife feet und six inches. 
PERKINS (aside)— I don't believe this Dutch idiot heard me. or if he 



TIIK r.lTTLK MAJOU. T 

(lid, 1 (loiTt Ihiiik lie li:is l»r;iiiis cnoiigli to iindcrstaiul it. [Aloud.] Here I 
Who iire you? 

CAHL {HtvpkUy)~nvi ' k 

PERKINS — Yes, you.' Who air you. aud where did you come from? 

("ARL — I'm Carl Sohlauffer, der peat drill-master in Prussia! I coa( 
from C'oblentz, on dcr Rhine. Maype you didn't know it. but I vos a 
Ciierman, und I fouijlit mit der Kaiser in der Faderland. 

PKRKINS — 1 don't care an\'thin<? about your nationality.' Where did 
you come from when you came here? 

CARL — I ust come von der last place as I don'd stop at. 

PERKINS — Curse the ic^norauce of the Dutchman! Where was the last 
place you stopped before you came here? 

CARL~Nie Yorick. 

PERKINS— Where are you ,i,'oiiiii? 

CARL— I vaut to iio in das himmel ven 1 die vonce. 

PERKINS— Well, you'll die of sheer stupidity before lono;. Come with 
me. I think I can find use for pist such a blockhead as you. [Exit.] 

SCENE II. — Interior of Widow Sumner's home— Widow S. lUncovered reading — Enter Johu 

JOHN — Mother, the village is full of excitement! The news of the 
President's trip through Baltimore in disguise, to save his life, has scarcely 
grown cold, and now they say the rebels have tired upon Fort Sumpter. 
and Major Anderson with a handful of troops, is holding the fort, but with 
poor hopes of success, and there are gloomy forebodings of w^ar. The 
papers are eagerly bought, and all are anxious to learn the latest news from 
Charleston. 

WIDOW S. — God grant that their forebodings may be groundless. I 
earnest'y hope that those in the wrong may see the error of their ways and 
that discord and bloodshed may be avoided. 

JOHN — I fear it has gone too far, mother, to permit us to indulge insuch 
ahope. The feelings of the southern people have become embittered against 
us at the North, and sectional sentiment has been fostered and has grown 
so strong, that a reconciliation cannot be effected. I hope with you, that 
tjie diflferences may be adjusted without any further trouble: but if war is 
inevitable and soldiers are needed to preserve our Union, I feel that I would 
be a very unworthy son of my good mother, and recreant to my trust as a 
citizen of this great country, if I did not shoulder my musket and march to 
the front. I would be very sorry to leave you alone, dear mother, yet I 
would feel that I had dishonored the name of my brave ancestors, if I were 
to remain at home in the hour of my country's danger. 

WIDOW S.— John, I know that I could not spare you. Let us pray that 
the cloud will soon pass over, and that you may be pernntted to remain with 
me to comfort my declining days. [Knocking ] 

JOHN —No, sitstill mother, I will go to the door. [Opens door, enter Alice.] 

ALICE— Good evening, Mrs Sunnier. John, how do you do? I have 
just come down from the village and I heard wild rumors tiying through the 
streets. They say that there will be war between the North and the South, 
and that the men will be called upon to leave their homes and families and 
join the army. What do you know about it, John? 

JOHN— T am afraid. Alice. Ihere will indeed be war. 



S THE l.lT'l'Ll-: .MA.IOlt. 

ALKVE — Well, you are uut .liolniz,- are you, Joliu:-' 

JOHN — If my country calls, 1 will deeiu it my tirst duty as an American 
citizen to become an American soldier. I would regret leaving mother and 
you, yet I siiould despise myself if I would permit personal preferences to 
overrule my sense of duty to my country. [Knocking, John opent door.] 
Ah, good evening neighbors. Come in. [Enter Winslows ] 

"WINSLOW — Good evening, friends. We thought we would come over 
to spend the evening witli you, and talk a little over the topics of the day. 
There is dreadful news afloat. Those southern lire-eaters have passed an 
ordinance of secession, and, daring to fire upon tlie stars and stripes, have 
captured Fort Sumpter. The President lias issued a praclamation calling for 
seventy-five thousand men to defend onr national honor. Oh, if these 
rheumatic old limbs were only as good as they once were, I would gladly 
shoulder my musket and go out to teach those fellows that if they attempt 
to destroy this Union the destruction will only fall upon themselves. My 
motto is, •• H' any man attempts to tear down the American flag, shoot him 
on the spot I " 

MRS. W. — Sit down father, and don't get so excited. 

KATE~Oh, father, be calm. 

WINSLOW — I know it is unseemly for a man of my age to get into such 
a state, but when I think how our forefathers struggled and suffered to build 
up this great free government, and sealed the compact with their lives, and 
then think that a few hot-headed fellows would attempt to lay our revered 
institutions in the dust, makes my blood boil. 

JOHN — Well, if the President has called fortroops, Iforone will respond 
to the call. 

FRANK— And so will I, John 1 

MRS. W. — Oh, Frank ! We cannot spare you, and you, John : think of 
your mother 1 

JOHN — Mrs. Winslow, I have counted the cost, and will go if needed. 
[Knorking] But, harki Some one is coming. (!ome in. [Enter Tribula- 
tion. ] 

TRIB. — [Oushingly^—Oh. friends, ain't it indefinitely awful! Them ex- 
pressionists down south hev shot cannons and guns and sich like at Mr. 
Sumpter, and hev impelled Mr. Anderson to recapitulate, and there's goin" 
to be murder and fightin' and a war of indiscrimination. 

FRANK— Oh, it's not so bad as that, is it Tribby "/ 

TRIB. — Yes, 'Sqaire Perkins was readin' of it in the paper— and what a 
judicious reader the 'Squire is. He reads with so much distinction and in- 
fluenza. He used to belong to our hysterical society, and we arrived a great 
deal of inflammation from him. And the President's disused a declamation 
for every so many millions of soldiers, and they are all goin' to war. 

FRANK— That is perfectly awful. But you'll go won't yon? 

MRS. W.— There now, Frank, that will "do. 

TRIB.— Me go! Where? 

FRANK— Why go to war, of course. You can go as a nurse in the 
hospital. 

TRIB.— Wliat! me, a poor relentless female, go to war among an armory 
of masculine men. Why, that would be a dissrrace to mv sect. 



THE J.ITTl.K MAJOll. 9 

KATE — Frank. I think j^ou have said enough, now. Yon would better 
keep quiet the balance of the evening. 

WIN8LOW — Well, it is getting late, mother, and we would better bidthe 
folks good night. B\'-the-way, I want to go to town in the morning and 
hear the news. Can I do any errand tliere for you, Mrs. Sumner':* 

MRS. W.— Father, I want to make some purchases to-morrow. Why 
not take the carriage, and stop for Mrs. Sumner, and we can all go to- 
gether. 

TRIB. — Yes; it would afford me indestructible pleasure to dissociate 
myself w ith you on the extradition to town. 

WIDOW S. — You are kind, neighbors. I would like to go with you if 
you have room for me. 

FRANK— You will finally conclude to go to war. won't you. Tribby? 

KATE — Hush now, Frank! Always stop when j'ou get done. Alice, 
can't you come over to-morrow':' 

ALICE — I will try to come, thank you. 

WINSLOW — We will have plenty of room in the carriage, and will call 
for you in the morning, Mrs. SuHiner. Good nigiit. 

WIDOW S.— Good night. [Exuent Wmslowx.] 

TRIE.— I must not stay any longer and invent your slumberous repose. 
It is late for an undetected female to be out alone. 

ALICE — Yes, it is getting late, and I am going home as quickly as lean. 

JOHN — Permit me to accompany you. please. 

ALICE— Thank you. 

TRIB.— Oh, I'm so nerveless 1 I'm sure I would be frightened to death 
if I should meet a delusion or anything on the road, in the darkness and 
solicitude 1 

ALICE— Well, come with us. We will make a jolly party. Good night, 
3Irs. Sumner. 

WIDOW S.— Good night. 

TRIB.— Good night, Mrs. Sumner. Don't have infractions dreams about 
the war, and the elevation of Fort Sumpter, and sich ! [Exuent Alice, John 
and Tribby ] 

WIDOW S.— Oh. heaven ! my lieart is full of distress ! I dare not say 
that, when our Government needs its stoutest hearts and strongest arms, 
my son shall be unfaithful to her cause, and yet how can I give him up ! 
He whom I have nursed so tenderly, and reared with care ; who has now 
grown to manhood, and repays my care for him with the fondest love and 
respect, and whose sole desire is to shield and protect me, and fill my last 
years with happiness and peace \ I cannot give him up \ I cannot give 
him up I 

SCENE III,— Recruiting Headquarters— Captain Franklin, Boardnians et al., discovered. 

CAPT. F.— Yes, gentlemen, our country now has need for the services 
of all her brave and patriotic sons. The bugle blast has sounded through 
the broad fields of the sunny South, and armed men have risen, determined, 
if in their power, to overthrow the best government on earth. Will you, 
young men with strong muscles, clear heads and true hearts, permit it to be 
done ? 

DAN. — Never 1 if 1 can prevent it I 



10 THE LITTLE 31A.JUK, 

■ WILL— That's ri.ijht I I'm with vdii : 

TOM— And so am II 

('APT. F.— Come'up. then, sign the roU. and join my company. We 
will show them that "Yankee nuidsiils" are men, and l)rave men. 

DAN.— Here goes. then. [All dgn. Enter Wlndowx, ^Vi(low .S., John 

and A lice. ] ' • ■ ^ 

CAPT. F.— Ah! Here come some more brave hoys. W\' lack hut a tew 
to fill up our company. Won't you enlist V 

WINSLOW— Captain, if I were younger, my name would have been the 
tlrst upon the roll. 

('APT. F.— I am sorry your age prevents you from going, Mr. Winslow. 
But your son Frank, there, would make a good soldier. 
FRANK— Father, all I ask is your consent. 

WINSLOW— My son, you know too well my feelings in this matter to 
think that I would withhold my consent. But your mother, boy. has a 
claim upon you. Speak to her. 

MKS. W.— Oh, Frank .' It wrings my heart to say that you may go. and 
yet— your father has consented— and I— cannot detain you. 
FRANK— John, I am going if you do. Won't you enlist ? 
WID(^W S.— Oh, my son— my only hope ! How can my lips ever form 
the words that will send you away, perhaps never to return ! Never to re- 
turn : The thought is awful I I cannot give my consent ' The days 
would be long and dark and dreary, and the nights filled with gloom and 
frightful dreams. Oh, John ! my sole stay and support ! 

JOHN — Mother, it distresses me to think of leaving you, and yet, how- 
like a coward I would feel, to stay at home, and all these noble boys, my 
comrades from childhood, fighting the battles to save my country for me f" 
WIDOW S. — Then go, my brave boy, go I And may He that noteth 
even the fall of a sparrow be your (^uide and Protector. [Bot/a dgn ] 

A-LICE — Come, Mrs. Sumner, you are faint: let us go. \^Exuent citizenii. 
Enter CarlA^ 

CARL — Goot morning. Captain. Ish der a chance for a feller to got 
into der army here, somedimes ? 

CAPT. F. — We are enlisting soldiers here, and are glad to receive them. 
But you are a little old for the army, ain't you ? 

CARL — Veil, I am not much old to make vonce a goot soldier : und pe- 
sides, I vas der pest drill-master in Prussia. 

CAPT. F. — W^ell. we need some one acquainted with the manual of arms. 
What is your name? Please sign it here. 

. CARL — My name vas Carl Schlauffer. [ IFr^'tev.] Maype you don'd can 
make dot out? You vouldn't dink I vas a Cherman uf you don'd sometimes 
see my writin', ain't it? 

CAPT. F.— You'll do. Suppose you try your military knowledge .on 
these boys. 

CARL— Me? 
• CAPT. F.— Yes, you. You say you are a good drill-master. Suppose 
'^f-ou drill tliese boys. 

CARL— All right. Fall in! Fall in! {BimneKH.) Domiervptter, vy for 
you don'd fall in! lAmkward Mprnd drill.] 'Preak ranks. [Enter citkenx.] 



THK LITTLK 3IA,T<)K. 11 

V6n I say preak ranks, you don'd prcak sonu'tlings all up to i)iece9. You 
ust don'd staj' in line some more. 

JOHN — Alice, I am very sorry to leave you under the tyranny of that 
man, for it will be very disa.s;reeable to bear all his insults and indignities; 
and yet you will perhaps fare better when I am out of his sight, for his 
hatred towards me causes hini to vent his spite upon yon. 

ALICE — I know I shall be very lonely, John, without you and would be 
willing to bear all the petty annoyances of my guardian if you could but re- 
main here. But fear not. I can take c u-e of myself, and although he has 
authority over me. yet if his attentions and persecutions become unbearable, 
I will tind a refuge somewhere, and he will learn that he has no ckild to deal 
will). 

JOHN — I will be continually haunted by the thought that you have been 
left unprotected, but I hope the war may soon be ended, and I can return 
and claim you for my own as soon as you attain your majority. 

ALICE — Yes. and I will ever pray for your welfare and safe return. 
Here, take this memento. May its blue field ever remind you of the fidelity 
of the donor and encourage you in fidelity to your cause, The red stripes, 
signifying love, represent that you should love yourGqd, your country, and 
those you leave behind you : and white, the emblem of purity and peace, is 
significant of the purity of right, aud the hope that the white-winged angel 
of peace will socm spread her broad pinions over all our land, without one 
State lost, or one star dimmed: 

JOHN— Thank you; I will uphold it with my honor, and protect it with 
my life. And if I fall, my last gaze will be upon it, and my last thoughtsof 
the giver. 

TRIB.— This scenery is too much for me. 1 feel that I will have con- 
centration of the heart. You go forth as sacraments on the halter of your 
kentry, and how many of you will come back in safetiness and extinction 
to your homes ? 

CARL — Fall in povs. fall in! ( /insiryss.) 

I AIJI.KAr. 



ACT II. 

SCENE I.— Interior of Col. Perkins headquarters— Perkins discovered. 

PERK.— Success crowns all my etforts and Fate arranges circumstances 
to suit all my purposes. Thomas Shannon made his will, and, under my 
influence, appointed me guardian of his daughter and her estate. In case 
of her marriage the property goes to her absolutely. In case of her death 
before marriage, it goes to any children of Mary Sumner — widow — of 
Hampshire county. Mary Sumner has but one child, John. My ward and 
John Sumner fall in love with each other. My debts are preaeingme, and I 
must have money to liquidate them. If I can marry Alice, all will be right; 
but that cursed beggar, the widow's son, conies between her and me. Fate 
favors me again and lie enlists in the army, thus exposing himself to removal 
from my path by all the dangers of the camp and battle-field. I hoped the 
separation would cure the girl of her fancy, but curse her, she seems more 
stronglv attached to him than ever. A bright idea strikes me. I have in- 



12 THK LITTLE MAJOR. 

fluential friends in the war department, and by proper manipulation I suc- 
ceed in getting a commission as Colonel of tlie regiment to whicli Jolin 
Sumner belongs. So far I have succeeded ad:nirabl3% [enter Curl unoh- 
seroe.d,'] and by the Eternal, John Sumner shall never return home alive. 
[Turning, sees Carl'] Here. sir. what in thunder do you want here ? 

CARL — I got a ladder oder someding from der Sheneral. 

PERK. — How dare you come into my quarters without making your 
presence known ? 

CARL— You didn't know I vas here vonce, ain't it? Veil. I couldn't 
found der door pell. 

PERK.— If I ever catch you around here prying into my secrets again. I 
shall have you bucked and gagged and set out in the sun for eight hours, 
without a drink of water during the whole day. Do you hear that? 

C'ARL — I didn't know you vas had some secrets. Colonel, und I ust didn't 
want to con e, only der Sheneral sent me. 

PERK. — [writing hurriedly] — Here take this to the General: and remem- 
ber, if you ever come sneaking about my quarters again, I will have you 
tied up by the thumbs and whipped before the whole regiment. [Exit Carl.] 
This is the second time that infernal dutchman has blundered upon me and 
heard that which I would have no one know. He appears too stupid to 
understand, but his ignorance may be assumed, and I must be on my guard. 
I will take care of him in the future. [Exit.] 

SCENE II. — In camp — Soldiers tliscovered, and John reading letter. 

JOHN — [reading] — "My lot has indeed been an unpleasant one. I am 
forbidden to write to you, and know that your letters have been intercepted: 
for I feel sure that you have written to me. I am ordered to remain at 
home, but as my guardian has gone away, and will not return until evening. 
I disobeyed orders and am here at your mother's writing to you. Keeo in 
good courage and hope for the best. May God guard and protect you. 
Yours hurriedly, with love, Alice." This short letter, received sLx 

weeks ago, is all that I have heard from her. but it explains the long silence. 
But he is here commanding the regiment and she is at home, yet I receive 
no word from her. Can it be that she is immured and guarded by tools of 
his during his absence, or is he exceeding his authority and preventing my 
letters from being delivered to me. [Enter Alice, disguined] Well, my 
young friend, who are you. and where do you come from ? 

ALIC'E. — I am called Allie Hart, and have been assigned to this com- 
mand as drummer boy. 

JOHN — But you did not answer all of my question. Where did you 
come from ? 

ALICE — Is it necessary for me to inform you ? You see by this that I am 
a Yankee, and answer one question bj' asking another. 

JOHN— Pardon me, boy. It is none of my business. But I am afraid 
you will not be able to stand the fatigue of a campaign. 

ALICE — I am stronger than you think. 

JOHN — Well, make yourself at home here among the boys. You will 
find them all good fellows. 

FRANK — Can you sing? 

OMNES — Yes, a .''ong! A song! \ Alice sings.] 



THE LITTLE MAJOR. 13 

CAUL — Xow, vonce ve vill hear you drum, lid^ilc feller. [Alice drum.s.'] 

DAN — Young fellow you are a little major. Drum major. I mean. 

OMNES— Yes, that's it. That's the name for him. We will call him the 
Little Major, [Enter (n-derly.'\ 

ORDERLY — Lieutenant Sunnier, the Colonel (lesire.s to see you at his 
tjuarters immediately. 

JOHN— All right, sir. [Exit orderly.~\ 1 wonder what mischief is afloat 
now, that Colonel Perkins should send for me. [Exit.'] (Budness.) 

CARL— Fall in poys, fall in. [Fancy drill and noldiers march ojf.] 

S(jENE III. — Colouel Perkins" headquarters — Enter John. 

JOHN — Colonel Perkins, you sent for me, I believe. 

PERKINS — Ah. j-ea. Lieutenant, you came promptly. You were proba- 
bly surprised at my sending for you, but I wanted to see you about a little 
matter. Be seated. Prior to your entering the army, you were paying 
some attention to my ward. Miss Shannon, and I understand some sort of 
engagement existed between you. After you left, I sounded her upon the 
subject, and found that it was but a passing fancy with lier, and that she 
cared notliing for you. I also understand that from her indifference to you, 
there was no correspondence between you. Now. I deem it my duty as 
lier guardian, to look after her welfare, and to avoid any disagreeable meet- 
ing between you and her, if you should return. I would recjuest that you 
write her a letter, stating that since you and she are separated you have 
learned that what you once regarded as love for her, you find was mere idle 
admiration, and releasing her from the engagement. Here are the materials 
for writing the letter. 

JOHN — Colonel Perkins, you are my superior oflicer, and as such have 
the right to command me in anything that pertains to my duty as a soldier. 
Beyond that, your authority ceases. And now, here, in your own quarters, 
I denounce you as a coward, a liar, and a villain I You are a cowai'd be- 
cause you exerted your power over the innocent and weak, and dishonor- 
ably prevented any correspondence between that lady and myself I You 
are a liar when you say she discarded all thought of me, and none but the 
basest, cringing villain would dare to make the proposition you have made 
to me. I could smite you like a serpent at my feet, and nothing but my 
respect for mj'self and militaiy discipline, prevents me from doing it. No, 
put up your sword I I will not touch such a cowardly reptile. But listen. 
When this war is over, if we are spared to return, I will have a settlement 
with vou, and retribution M'ill be swift and sure .' Is this all of your busi- 
ness with mey 

PERKINS — No. this was only the preliminary. The General desires me 
to send out a couple of men on scout duty, to learn if possible, the plans 
and intentions of the enemy. I selected you, and that Dutchman, Carl 
Schlauffer, for that duty. It will be understood that you have deserted 
the regiment, and as deserters you will enter the enemy's camp, learn the 
number of their forces and position, and if possible, their plan of attack. 
You will see, it is a dangerous undertaking, and the death of a spy will 
surely follow detection. You understand the situation ? If you are cap- 
tured you will be shot as a spy. [Aside ] And if you ret\irn I will have you 
shot as a deserter 1 



14 THE LITTLE MAJOR. 

JOHN— I fully understjjnd your motives. Colonel Perkins; but tliough 
death stares me in the face, I will undertake the task. When I enlisted, it 
was with the intention of doin.ff my wliole duty : for a true soldier will al- . 
ways "front face" on the line of duty, whatever dangers may menace him. 
I will so. but remember, when my cmmtry's battles are fought, then I will 
fight my own ! 

PERKINS—// yon return from this expedition it will be time enough 
then to talk about these matters. lEiiier (n-derhj.^ 
OKDERLY— Mail for the Colonel. 

PERKINS— All right. lExlt orderly .'] Wait, Lieutenant, until I exam- 
ine my mail and then I will give you your instructions. Ah! What have 
we here? {Reads.'] "Death by drowning. On last Sabbath evening the 
entire neighborhood was thrown into a state of intense excitement over the 
rumor that a very estimable young lady. Miss Alice Shannon, (hiughter of 
the late Thomas Shannon, had met her death b.^ drowning. Our rept)rter 
hurried to the spot, and gleaned the following facts concerning to the sad 
affair: About nine o'clock on Sabbath evening Miss Shannon, who appears 
to have been in a despondent frame of mind for some time past, left the 
home of her guardian, Josiah Perkins, and was not missed for some time 
by the housekeeper, who upon entering the young lady's chamber found it 
unoccupied, and after searching the house anci failingtotind Miss Shaiuion. 
slie gave the alarm and the search soon extended to the river l)ank, where 
were found a hat and shawl which were identified as belonging to the miss- 
ing young lady; and from foot-prints found upon the river bank it is sup- 
posed she either committed suicide or was foully dealt with. The river was 
inunediately dragged, but up to this date (Tuesday afternoon) they have 
failed to find the body. She was a beautiful and intelligent younglady . and 
the sad affair has cast a gloom over the entire community." 

.JOHN — Oh, heaven I thisis too nuich. Oh, Alice: and is it indeed true? 
And you, you villain : this is your work. By your infernal machinations 
you have driven tlie poor giri insane and made her do this; or perhaps some 
emissaries of yours have nnirdered her. and thrown her body into the river. 
The thought maddens me. Your hour has con.e. I carnot defer my 
vengeance. Die I like the villain that yoa are. \_Shoot-iJ)iidfieHH.'\ 

PERKINS — Soldiers, you may release Lieutenant Sumner, but you need 
not retire. His pistol was accidentally discharged. Now, Lieutenant, you 
may prepare yourself and the Dutchman, and at nightfall proceed with due 
caution to the dut)' assigned you. And the pleasant news from home will 
cheer you on your way. You may retire. \^Exuent.] Aha! favored again 
bv Fate. The little vixen would not marry me, and now she is past marry- 
in'i- anybody. But I never thought she would drown lierself ; and now he 
is "Toing away on an expedition fi-om which he will never return, and the last 
provision of the will is : •' In case of the death of my daughter before marri- 
age, and there being no childreji of the said Marj^ Suumer then living, my 
property is then bequeathed to and vested in my dearfriend, Josiah Perkins, 
the guardian of my daughter Alice, aforesaid." Well, I will remain liere 
until assured that the widow's son will never return, and then I will resign 
my commission and hasten home to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I tell you. 
Colonel Josiah Perkins, you have got to get out of this pretty soon, for from 



THE LITTLE MAJOR. 15 

all appearaijces tht^re will soon he a general engagement, and there is no use 
in ajnan needlessly exposing himself. [Exit.^ 

SCENE IV. — Dark wood — -Toliu and Carl discovered in disguise. 

JOHN — Wv are getting on very dangerous ground, and must proceed 
cautiously. 

C'ARL — I don'd vos like dis pizness. 1 don'd can sneak aroundt pooty 

^goot. but I was der pest drill-master [Jo/rii and Carl are grasped bi/ 

Confederate.^ coimuanded by Sergeant Davis, bimiiesH ] 

SERG'T I). — Where are you going at this time of night, and what is 
your business? 

JOHN — I tliink it is none of your business, and don't choose to answ^er. 

SERG'T D. — Well, an answer is unneccessary, for we know you. You 
liave been detailed to enter the Confederate camp as spies. We do not need 
jiny further information on the subject. You will be taken to lieadquarters 
in the morning, tried, condemned, and shot : so you would better spend the 
night in prayer. Boys when you get them bound we will prepare to make 
ourselves comfortable, for there is no use in going to headquarters to-niglit. 
Hello I Here is a canteen, and tilled with genuine old Bourbon, too. W^ell, 
Yanks, here's lookin' at you. Harris, j'ou may stand guard until midnight, 
and tlien waken up Morton to relieve you until daylight. Here, boys, take 
siitliin'. \_All drink except Harris.^ I guess I got my bearings all right this 
time — let's see [reiid.s description']. I guess it's all right, but I'm gettin' 
sleep}^ Here, Harris, take a drink; it will brace you up. [Hai'ris drinks 
and resume's hea.t, business^ ] 

JOHN— As I live, the Little Major. [^:rrt.] 

SCENE V. — Light wood — General Grant and staff discovered. 

GEN. G. — General is there any news from the rebel camp in regard to 
their proposed movements ? 

GEN . RAWLINS — No. General. We have endeavored to oenetrate their 
lines, but we have no report from the scouts sent out for tliat purpose, and 
I am afraid they liave been captured. The indications are, however, that 
the enemy meditate an attack upon our left at an early liour. 

GEN. G. — You will order General Birney's division to move rapidly for- 
ward and strengthen our left, send two batteries and General Ayres' brigade 
forward to the wood on our right center, and open the engagement as soon 
as possible. [Enter Join, Carl and Alice.~\ But hold, whom have we here? 

JOHN — Good morning. General. We are the scouts sent out by your 
orders, to learn the proposed movements and plans of the enemj'. 

<tEN. G. — Well, sir, go on. How did you succeed? 

JOHN — General, we were captured by a squad of rebels under command 
of a sergeant, who seemed to be posted as to our intentions, but instead of 
taking us inunediately to headcpiarters they set a guard over us for the night, 
when, thanks to tluit drun mer l)oy. the Little Major, the guard was drugged, 
and our escape wiis elfected. 

GEN. GRANT— Well, go on. Did you give up the attempt. 

JOHN — No, sir. We changed our disguise and hovered around their 
outposts, and the Little Major then accomplished what we were unable to 
do, b}' donning female attire, entering their lines and getting full and com- 



n THE LITTLE MAJOR. 

plete information as to tlieir plans. Eluding tiie vigilance of their sentinels, 
he returned to us, and by making many hairbreadth escapes, we were at 
last enabled to return safely. 

GEN. G.— What are their plans, my little hero? 

ALICE— They are massing their forces under cover of the wilderness on 
your extreme right, but will make a feint and open the battle on your left. 
Expecting you to reinforce heavily on your left, they will push rapidly for- 
ward and swing round with their whole force upon your unprotected right. 

Geu. G.— Thanks, my gallant l)oys. for your success in your perilous 
undertaking. You will be favorably reconunended for promotion : and you. 
my little man, are entitled to the thanksof the whole nation. You may now 
repair to your regiment. \_Exuent.'\ General, you will immediately send 
two batteries to support General Hancock on our left. Move General 
Barlow's division and two brigades from General Gibbon's division to re 
inforce our extreme right. Push forward and strengthen the center with all 
the artillery that can be spared. Open tire on the left, followed by an im- 
mediate lire along the whole line. 

GEN. RAWLINS— All right, General. [AV^.] 

GEN. G. — Colonel, direct General Birney to liold his force in reserve and 
be prepared to support General Hancock, immediately, in case there is a 
break in his line. \_Exit Col. Drew.^ The tiring has commenced, and our 
entire line seems steady. \^Entir PerkinK, demoralized.'] Who's this? What, 
Colonel Perkins, are you wounded ? 

PERK- — General, my regiment is all cut to pieces, and I am the only 
man that's left I I have severe pains, and think I was shot a dozen times. 
I must' get back to the rear. 

GEN. G. — You cowardly cur, go back to your regiment I You are no 
more wounded than I am I \_Exit Perk.'] I fear we will be unable to dis- 
lodge them. Let us move up to that little knoll. [Exit. Perkinx run* 
across stage in fright, followed by troops. Fighting and picture.'] 



ACT ITT. 

SCENE I.— Interior of Castle Tkuuder — John, Dan anil otlier prisoners diBcovered in rags. 

JOHN — How long will this continue ? Each day is passed in misery, 
and night closes in darkness, yet there is no release! Other prisoners are 
being exchanged, and are permitted once more to see home and all its fond 
associations, but there is no exchange for us, and no news from home and 
loved ones ; and to add to the horrors of our situation, within the last ten 
days our rations have been decreased, vmtil now we have but one crust per 
day, and we are all becoming so weak from hunger that we can scarcely 
stand I 

DAN— This is indeed terrible; but John, let us hope that the Boys in 
Blue will soon conquer, and the banner of the free will float proudly and 
in peace over an undivided country. 

JOHN— Hope is almost giving away to despair. Another week like the 
last will end our lives by starvation, that most horrible of deaths. 

T>AN— I believe there is a new officer in charge of this hell. It seems 



THE LITTLE MAJOR. 17 

that within the last few days additional horrors have been invented to make 
our situation more miserable. {^Eiiter Perkins, di.sgui.sed ] 

PERK. — Here, what is this infernal grumbling about? 

JOHN — Sir, we are starving — dying by inches in this cursed hole. If you 
have tlie heart of a man within you, you will either give us something to 
eat, or use your endeavors to elfect our exchange. 

PERK. — Exchange? Ha! Hal You want to be exchanged, do you? 
Well, that is a good joke. You are dissatistied with your quarters and want 
something to eat ? Why, you are ungrateful wretches. You have sumptuous 
apartments here ; are well protected from the weather; are supplied with 
elegant furniture, fine carpets on the floor, andall the modern improvements 
at yourcommand. You want something to eat ? Why you have been dining 
upon the fat of the land until your weight has increased so that you can 
scarcely walk. Ha, ha, ha! 

JOHN — That voice! It sounds strangely familiar. It is, it must be, 
Colonel Perkins? 

PERK. — [ Tearing off dinyuiHe ] — It is ! Are j'^ou not overjoyed at meeting 
me? 

JOHN — How came you here ? And why do you wear that uniform? 

PERK. — I learned that you were here, and I had such a kindly regard for 
you that I could not bear the thought of separation ; so I came and succeeded 
in getting command at this place. I should think you would be very happy 
to meet me. 

JOHN — For heavens sake, don't add insult to injury! Give us some- 
thing to eat! Remember that we are your fellow creatures, and if there is 
a spark of humanity in your breast, do not starve us to death! 

PERK. — Ah! you beg for favors? I thought you would come to it. 
But the favor will not be granted! 

JOHN — How long do you propose to keep us here in this misery? 

PERK. — Keep you? Why, I propose to keep you as long as life lasts, 
my pets! I could not think of parting with you. Yes, I will keep you 
here until your parched tongues protrude from your shriveled lips ; until 
your emaciated limbs refuse to bear their burden; until your nerveless arms 
hang useless by your sides; until hunger and disease shall drive the last 
glimmer of life from your worthless carcasses, and then drag your rotting 
corpses out to be food for the crows, denymg you even the luxury of an un- 
known grave ! 

JOHN— Oh, God! this is horrible! When I think of the suffering that 
man has been the author of, it almost drives me mad ! And yet, in all my 
wretchedness and rags, I loathe and despise you! You who have worn 
the uniform of a Union soldier, and sworn to support the glorious old Stars 
and Stripes, the banner of the free, to treacherously violate your oath, 
abandon that cause, assume the dirty gray, ana aid the enemies of your 
country as keeper of a rebel prison pen ! You cowardly villain ! I could 
tear you limb from limb! 

PERK, {presenting pistol) — Have a care! You are in my power. 

JOHN {draicing flag) — Shoot! you dastardly scoundrel! Shoot through 
the flag you once swore to protect, and let me die as a soldier should, with 
his colors wrapped around him! 

PERK. — Oh, no ! You are entirely too auxious to die— and that would 



18 THE LITTLE MAJOR. 

interfere witli 1113' plans. I want to continue this amusement until you 

drop on your weary and tlesliless knees at my teet, and beg of me for 

mercy. 

JOHN— Kneel to you, Josiah Perkins ? No, sir : ne'cer! An American 
soldier kneels to none but God! 

PERKINS— Well, continue your hilarity, my friends! I will send you 
in a nice fresh bone as soon as my dog gets through gnawing it. lExi,t.^, 

JOHN— Boys, there is no hope for us as long as that man remains here. 
He has the power, and will use it, to torture us in every way that his dia- 
bolical ingeiniity can devise. {Enter Frank ] 

DAN— What: Frank, are you here, and a prisoner? 

FRANK— Is it possible that these are my old friends, and altered to 
mere shadows of their former selves! How are you, John ; and Dan ; and 
Tom? (Business.) Yes, boys; I am sorry to say I am a prisoner. I was 
captured on the skirmish line night before last, and here I am. 

JOHN— Tell us of the boys. Where is C^arl. and the Little Major, and 
all the rest ? 

FRANK — Carl is with the regiment, safe and sound, and still "der pest 
drill-master," but the poor Little Major is gone. 

DAN— How ? Tell us all about it ! 

FRANK — Well, at the battle of the Wilderness, when you were captured, 
I was struck by a minie ball and badly wounded, and while I lay upon the 
field I heard a little drummer boy off to my left calling for water. I recog- 
nized in the faint tones the voice of the Little Major, and rose on my elbow 
to look at him. I saw him lying there, dying, and the pain of my wound 
caused me to faint. When I recovered consciousness, I was in the hospital, 
and C'arl told me that they had searched everywhere for the Little Major, 
but without success. They found his drum, l)ut suppose his body was car- 
ried off the field, and buried in the trench with hundreds of others. 

JOHN — Poor Little Major I It was a dreadful death for one so young! 
But, thank Heaven, he was spared the misery of imprisonment in this hor- 
rible place. 

FRANK — Cheer up, boys! I think your sufferings here are nearly 
ended, for our forces have bombarded the city with terrible effect, and I 
judge from what I saw as I was brought in, that the rebels are preparing to 
evacuate as quickly as possible. I believe our boys will soon be here. 

JOHN— Heaven grant that they may not be too late ! But, Frank, sing 
us one of your old favorite songs to cheer us up. [Frank sings. Firing 
outside. Union soldiers rush in, headed by Carl.] 

CARL— Ilooray for der United States und Prussia! Pully for Sheneral 
Grant und Carl Schlautter! Ve got dem rebel fellers dis time, py Shiminy. 
ain't it? Ilooray for eferypody ! Down mit der traitors und up mit der 
Star Spangled Panner! I feel so goot like I ust found a parrel of peer mit 
sour krout und speck! Hello! John, we befinden sie sick? Und Frank und 
Dan, and all you fellers, you're goin' to got out of dis, und go heim, and 
see der folks, und haf a pully dime! Der war is ofer, und I am der pest 
drill-master in America! [Business icith Perkins'} 



TIIK LITTI^K MAJOK. 19 

ArT \\. 

SCENE I. — Widow Siiiimer's home — Widow S. discovered, readiug. 

WIDOW S. {reading) — >'My soul is weary of my life. I will leave my 
complaint upon myself. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. Aland 
of darkness as darkness itself, and of the shadow of death without any 
order, and where the light is as darkness." Darkness indeed ; all is dark- 
ness! Tlie light of my life has gone out, and the gloom of death, without 
its forgetfulness, hovers about me. Mj"^ bright, brave boy, left me in the 
first flush of manhood, and now, alas! where is he? After the terrible bat- 
tle, how anxiously I awaited a message from liim; how I fought my fears 
and hoped for the best, until in the long report I found the name, "John 
Sumner, missing!" Not wounded. Even that would Iiave been better, for 
he might have recovered. But this terrible doubt and uncertainty is more 
wretched than death itself! Had he been taken prisoner, I should liave re- 
ceived some message from him. But the sad, weary months have dragged 
themselves along, and no word, no sign, from my lost one. The war, they 
say, is ended, and yet I see nothing l)ut tliose terrible words, "John Sum- 
ner, missing." Oh, God! liast Thou indeed forsaken me? [Business. In- 
visible chn'us~\ Did I dream? I thought I heard sweet music! [Reodf.'] 
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down 
in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He resto'reth my 
soul. He leadeth me in the patlis of righteousness for His name's sake. 
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear 
no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Tlij' staff they comfort me. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I 
will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Yes, I will put my faith in 
the Lord, for he alone can comfort me. Ah! [Enter- John.'l 

JOHN — Mother mine, I'm home again ! 

WIDOW S.— Oh, John! My darling, my lost one! [Business.^ "Tliou 
liast turned for me my mourning into dancing. Tliou liast put off my sack- 
cloth and girded me with gladness. Oh, Lord, my God, I will give thanks 
unto Thee forever ! " John, my cup of happiness is now filled by your re- 
turn at last; and tlie memory of those terrible words — "John Sumner, 
missing" — will be to me but as a dreadful dream. But, tell me, John, all 
about yourself since the battle when you were reported missing. 

JOHN — There is not nmeh to tell, mother. I was taken prisoner and 
conlined amid wretchedness and misery in the rebel prison. Castle Thunder, 
where they attempted to starve me to death, and very nearly succeeded. But 
at last our army was successful and entered Riclimond, and our German 
friend, Carl Schiauffer, was tlie first to enter our prison and release us. After 
that we were sent to Washington and tlience home. 

WIDOW S. — Mj' poor boy, how you liave suffered! 

JOHN — Yes, mother; but, thank lieaven, it is all over now, and our 
country is saved. [Knocking outside.'] There is some one at the door. 
[^Opens door, enter Winslow family.] 

WIDOW S. — Good evening, friends. I am glad to see you all. 

WINSLOW — Good evening. We thought we would all come over and 
rejoice together over the return of our boys, and the close of the war. John, 
you are looking better than I expected after the liorrors of a re])el prison. 



30 THE LITTLE MAJOR. 

JOHN— Thank you. I feel my strengtli rapidly returning, and I think 
all I need is plenty to eat, and mother will take care of that. [Knocking 
outdde.'] But there is some one else. [Opens door, enter Carl.'] 

CARL— How you all vos. I ust couldn't come to town midout I come 
und see all der folks, und find dem oud dey vos all veil. I ust tole you, Mrs. 
Sumner, dem poys vos goot poys, und dey fought der baddies mit der flag 
ust so prave like der could, und pesides dey understand all apout der trill, 
too, for dey vos my poys, und I vos der pest drill-master in Prussia und der 
United States. [Knocking outside.] 

JOHN— There's some one else coming to see us, mother, [riaes.'] 

CARL— Ust you don'd mind apout dot. I vill open der toor mineself • 
[Opens door,] Oh, donnerwetter! [Enter Tribby.] 

TRIE.- Good evening, my detestable friends. The emotionableness of 
my heart reduced me to sequester forth under the belligerent starlight and 
pervade your home. Why, John, how charming you do repear in your 
millinery suit. I always did like to see a man dressed in a unicorn. And 
you, too, Frank, look so extinguished since you returned from the suicidal 
war. It affords me indefinite explication to bid you a vociferous welcome 
back. 

JOHN— Thank you. We were glad to return all safe and sound, but 
many of our poor fellows will never return; and there is one who will never 
be forgotten, and that one is the Little Major. 

FRANK— Yes; he was the gentlest, bravest, truest little fell I ever met; 
and, by-the-way, I hare composed a song in his memory. 

TRIB. — Oh, please sing it for us, I am so fond of the effervescent defects 
of music. It fills my heart with detestable confluences. Won't you please 
sing it ? 

OMNES— Yes. sing it. Frank. We would like to hear it. 

SONG "I.ITTI.E MA.IOU." 

WIDOW S.— That is very touching Who was the Little Major? 
[Knocking outdde.] Hark ! There is a knock at the door. Come in. [Enter 
Alice and old Martha.] 

OMNES — Alice Shannon! [Business.] 

JOHN — Oh, Alice! we mourned you as dead. Have a chair and tell us 
the cause of your singular disappearance and re-appearance. We all thought 
you were drowned. 

ALICE — No, I was not drowned, but intended that all should suppose 1 
was. Life beneath my guardian's roof became unbearable, so I went to the 
river thsit night and leaving my foot-prints in the soft earth, I carelessly 
threw my hat and shawl upon the bank, and escaped down the river to 
Hartford, where I remained secluded with some friends until learning that 
Mr. Perkins was commanding your regiment. I felt that he could have 
but one object, and that was to persecute and oppress you, John, so I im- 
mediately procured a military suit and drum 

CARL— Py Shimiuy ! der Liddle Major! I dought you looked so much 
like somepody I douM know. [Business.] • 

FPANK— But I thought the Little Major was left dead on the field. 

ALICE— I was only badly wounded, and becoming weak from loss of 
blood and fatigue, I swooned away. When I again opened my eyes, I was 



THE f.ITTLE MAJOR. 21 

in H little faUiii with this kiiui old nurse hendinjj- overiue andiiduiinistering 
to ni}' wants. She kindly nursed nie through a long illness, saved my life, 
and. thanks to her, I am here to-night. 

JOHN — [to Mar-thn^ — We all join in thanking you for your kind care 
and attention to our Little Major. 

^lAHTHA — Not at all. I was only a humble instrument in the hands of 
a kind Providence. [Knocking outdde.\ 

\V'n)OW S. — John, there's some one at tlie door. I wonder who it can be? 

•lOilN — All right: we will see. [Open>i do^>r. Enter Perkins in charge 
of ojficern ] 

1st OFFK'EH Have I the honor of addressing Lieutenant Sumner? 

JOHN — Yes. sir. What is the nature of your business with me? 

1st OFFICER— Our prisoner here has been arrested on a charge of forging 
vouchers against tlie government while in command of your regiment. It 
is said that he deserted and joined the rebels, having charge of a rebel 
prison, and we have brought him here for identification. Doyouknowhim ? 

JOHN — Much evil as he has done to me. I regret that I must be called 
ui)on to testify against him. It is Josiah Perkins. He did command my 
regiment, and had charge of the rebel prison in which I was kept. 

PERK. — Oh. take back those words I Say that you were mistaken I Say 
it was not me. and don't condemn me to prison and perhaps to death I Have 
mercy on me I 

JOHN — You ask me for mercy? You who have persecuted, ill-treated, 
and almost starved me to death? Yet 1 pity you, and would save you if I 
could: but my country's laws demand that you should be given up to pun- 
ishment, and obedience to law is my first duty. 

PERK.— My dear friend. I never intended to harm you. The position I 
occupied compelled me to do what I did. 

OARL — You vas der vorsest old liar in America. You old scoundrel you. 
Yovi dried der pest vot you don'd know how to kill dot feller und dot girl, 
und got der property. You sent him und me oudt for spies, und to make 
sure ve got shot und die, you write a ledder to der repels und dold dem all 
about it, you old murderer you. [Exit John and Alice unperceived.'] 

PERK. — These are baseless accusations. There is no proof except your 
wt)rd. and that amounts to nothing. 

CARL r?""'"^^'"''''*'^' ^^ii<^>'] — N^o proof don'd it? Noting ust my word, und 
dot amounts to nodings, ain't it? Here. Frank, ust you read dot paper. I 
took dot from der repel sergeant. 

FRANK— [/•mf/m(7] — •• Dear Colonel — I send out to-night, ostensibly as 
spies. John Sumner, aged about twenty-four, dark hair and eyes, hight about 
five feet live, and Carl Schlauffer, a gray-haired dutchman, with gray eyes 
and scar over left eye. They will be instructed to pass down by the spring 
after night-fall. Have guard there to capture them. Have them court- 
martialed, executed as spies, and the money is yours. J. Perkins." 

CARL— How you likedot. now. you old fool? 

1st OFFICER — You may give us that paper, and we will call upon you 
when we need youi' testimony. We will bid you good night. 

MARTHA — Hold: There is something more, Josiah Perkins. I here 
accuse vou of the murder of 'I'homas Sliaiinon '. 



i'> THE l-ITTLli MAJOR. 

PERK. — It's a lio! ;i lie! Wlu) arc vdu that dares to make suoli a charii-c 
against me ? 

MARTHA — [turning back hood^ — Martha Dayton, whom you once 
deceived into a mock marriage, and then deserted; Martha Dayton, whom 
you supposed was murdered by the ruffians hired by you for that purpose: 
Martlia Dayton, the wronged woman who has been an avenger (m your 
track for many years. Yes, I watched you mix the poisonous drink for 
Thomas Shannon, after you had gained his confidence so that he made you 
guardian of his only child. I secured the vial containing the poi.son, and 
here it is. I have the sworn affidavit of the apothecary that you purchased 
this poison, and I saw you administer it. Is that a lie, Josiah Perkins y 

PERK. — Take me away! Remove her I I thought she was dead. Save 
me! I shall go mad ! [Exit officers and Perkins.^ 

TRIE.— I always thought 'Squire Perkins was amellitluous creature, lie 
was always so deep and irrefragiblc. It makes me shudder to think how 
abbreviated some people are. 

WINSLOW — Villainy is sure to have its just punisJiment sooner or later. But 
I got the evening paper and have not even glanced at it yet. There may be; 
some news of interest in it. What's this'/ [remlitig] "For gallant and mer- 
itorious service at the battle of the Wilderness, Lieutenant Suuiner, late of 
the 7th Regiment, has been brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel." 

CARL— Pully for der Colonel! 

WINSLOW — [reading]— •\\ conunission as Captain has been issued for 
Sergeant Carl Schlauffer on account of his brave conduct on the field and 
for his eminent services as drill-master." 

CARL— Hooray for der United States und everypody. Didn't I told you 
I vas der pest trill-master in der world ;■' 

WINSLOW— [rme?m^]—'-Congresshasat last recognized merit by voting 
an elegant gold medal toAllie Hart, otherwise the Littje Major, for valuable 
information of Confederate plans before the battle of the Wilderness. The 
whereabouts of the Little Major is at present unknown." 

CARL — Py Shiniiny, dere is der Little ^lajor! 

TAHI.KAI'. 

THE KXI). 



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